what are your magic words?

mrstice

I've found that I have a few 'magic words' that I use with my 2 1/2 yo, that tend to be excellend problem solvers.

"In case you change your mind."

Used frequently when he is on the verge of a meltdown, and whines for a snack, or drink, or certain toy, and when I get it for him suddenly it's not what he wants, or it's the wrong kind, or in the wrong cup, and it's the end of the world!. I set it on the table, and say, "Okay, I'll just put it here in case you change your mind." Within a minute he's happily playing/eating/drinking.

"Let me know when you're ready."
Used when he's refusing to put on his coat, or hand over his pacifier in the morning, or get his diaper changed, or pretty much anytime I ask him to do anything! He will usually stand/sit for about 30 seconds, then will happily cooperate!

He always wants to do things his way, and doesn't like being 'ordered around', so these magic words really make him feel like he's making the decisions. And I loooooove not fighting these power struggles.

What are some of your magic words?

finsternis

aaw well these are ones i will definitely have to keep in mind for when my dd's older! the only one we really have right now is 'ok-AAA-aay', in that singsongy tone like, 'okaay, if you reeeeally don't want any more!' when she is messin around towards the end of a feeding i say it and she delves in back to serious eating

StrawberryAlarmClock

I like these. DS is only 9mo so the closest thing to magic words we have are "I love you so much and I really wish you were happy" (when he screams for no reason- carseat, getting dressed,...) and "we don't scream, we talk nicely" (in a calm voice when he decides that a restaurant is a great place to test his pipes)